Do you want flawless skin? Join the club. Everyone wants to look in the mirror and see a glowing, youthful-looking appearance staring back at them. Unfortunately, wanting clear skin and achieving clear skin are two very different things. It takes patience, the right products, and healthy habits. Don’t worry though, this guide can help you on your journey. Here are five ways to improve the appearance of your skin.
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1. Use Anti-Aging Products
The key to clear and youthful-looking skin is using the right products. Keep in mind, that doesn’t mean you should just use any product and hope it works. Rather, look into products specifically designed to reverse (or slow down) the signs of aging. Yes, they exist.
Anti-aging treatment options have grown in popularity over the years, and that’s because they really work. Many include retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy skin. It’s been proven to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and boost skin cell turnover. Needless to say, it can do wonders for the overall look and feel of your skin.
A few popular anti-aging treatments are tretinoin and adapalene. Tretinoin is the generic version of Retin-A and is usually prescribed to treat aging skin. It comes in three different strengths, varying from low to high. Adapalene is another popular retinoid prescription that’s typically less irritating, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. As you can see, there are many options available to keep your skin looking youthful.
2. Apply Sunscreen
You know you should apply sunscreen before spending a day at the beach. But what about all the other times you leave the house to go grocery shopping or pick up the kids? Believe it or not, you should apply sunscreen then too. Regardless of how long you plan to be outside, make sure you’re never without sunscreen.
The UVA rays from the sun can lead to premature skin aging. Over time, you may start to notice dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. And while aging skin is natural, you don’t want it to happen too soon. Additionally, too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancer.
Applying sunscreen is one of the best ways to keep your skin healthy and youthful-looking. That said, you want to make sure you’re using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. SPF indicates the sunscreen’s ability to protect against certain ultraviolet light. If you’re someone who spends time outdoors, you might want a product with an SPF of at least 60.
3. Use The Right Skincare Products
Chances are, you’re constantly being told to try new skincare products. Whether it’s from your friends, co-workers, or influencers online, there are a lot of different opinions out there. And while there’s nothing wrong with looking for advice, make sure you’re using products because they are meant for your skin. You shouldn’t buy a product just because you saw an ad on Instagram.
A common mistake people make is buying skincare products without doing their research. Sure, something might smell or feel good, but that doesn’t mean it’ll work for your skin. That’s why it’s important to know your skin type before introducing a product into your regimen.
Is your skin oily? Dry? Acne-Prone? Or maybe a combination of all three. Maybe you have a skin condition, like psoriasis or eczema? Knowing this information can help you find the right products. Whether that’s a hydrating moisturizer or a topical formulated to treat acne, you want to use products that will work.
4. Remove Your Makeup
The last thing you want to do after a long day of work is wash your face. We get it, but it’s an essential step to keeping your skin healthy. Leaving makeup on all night causes build-up, which can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts. Even if you wear light makeup, it can still clog your pores and cause acne. That’s why it’s important to effectively take off your makeup before going to sleep.
Removing your makeup gives your skin a chance to breathe. Not to mention, your skincare products won’t work as effectively if your skin still has makeup on it. Think of your skin like a canvas. You want it blank before you apply any product. That way, the ingredients can actually absorb into the skin. While it can be time-consuming, taking your makeup off is one of the best things you can do for your skin.
5. Eliminate Stress
If you didn’t know already, stress plays a huge role in how your skin looks. For one, your body contains stress hormones, like cortisol. And when those hormones are elevated they break down collagen and elastin, accelerating the aging process and causing wrinkles and fine lines.
Stress can also exacerbate certain skin conditions, like psoriasis and acne. If you’re prone to either condition and experience high levels of stress, that could be worsening your symptoms. Some people experience rashes and excessive sweating when they’re stressed, causing further skin issues.
You may be thinking, “Stress isn’t easy to eliminate.” While that’s true, chronic stress shouldn’t be normal. If you’re constantly tense and worrying all the time, that’s something you need to address. Not just for your skin, but your overall mental health. Consider talking to a therapist about your stress, so they can help you find relief. You may even need to consider mental health medication. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with getting help. Asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do.
Clear and flawless skin is within reach thanks to the tips above. But remember, it takes time to see results. Be patient, stick with your skincare routine, and always be gentle with your skin — and yourself.
